Fishing/Boating

Old Hickory Lake (22,500 Reservoir) provides fishing, skiing, and other water recreation activities. It is known for good bass, crappie, catfish and sauger fishing. Many anglers enjoy fishing near the power plant. Bank fishing is decent along lakeside trails, and waterfront campsites. The park features a public boat launch ramp with courtesy dock for the general public and another ramp for registered campers only. Both ramps can accommodate fishing boats.

Birding

The paved Mayo Wix Trail winds through young woodlands, leading to an observation deck. From here the trail hugs the lakeshore. The lake edge offers opportunities to see birds such as the Prothonotary Warbler, Hairy Woodpecker, and the nesting Wood Duck and Red-shouldered Hawk. Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets hunt for fish in shallows alongside basking Red-eared Sliders. Winter waterfowl such as Ring-necked Duck and Redhead can be seen between November and April. Juxtaposed to level lowlands are several steep trails leading to hilltops covered by hardwood forest.

The hiking trail east of the boat ramp parking lot follows a steep ridge covered by spring wildflowers such as Dutchman’s Breeches, Wood Poppy and Sessile Trillium from mid-March – May. White-tailed Deer browse in the uplands, making the climb and workout worthwhile.